Advertisements

News Videos

Mosque Opponents Express Potential Dangers Of Islam

For close to two years now the fight against the building of a 52,000 square foot Islamic Center has been one of the hottest topics next door in Murfreesboro.

That fight spread to Woodbury last Tuesday when three influential leaders in the fight, Kingdom Ministries Worship Center pastor Darrel Whaley, Murfreesboro attorney Joe Brandon and Franklin attorney Tom Smith presented an informative meeting on Islam and the "Regional Islamic Training Center" in which around 60 people were in attendance at the Cannon County Senior Center.

46th District Representative Mark Pody led off the meeting by telling the audience that he encouraged people to listen to the speakers as they spoke about the potential dangers of Islam.

Pastor Whaley spoke next about what he believed to be the three truths for America.

The first truth is knowing the intent of God for all of humanity. He pointed out there are no other Gods in any of the other religions that offered a Heaven when the end time comes.

The second truth is to know the intent of God for America. Citing the makeup of the constitution as proof, Pastor Whaley said that God intends for America to be a Christian nation.

The third truth, according to Whaley, is the understanding of intent and injury of Islam.

After discussing some points before turning the meeting over to Joe Brandon, an audience member asked Whaley about his opinions of the dangers of Buddhism, Catholicism and Mormonism. Whaley replied, "Well they're not going around blowing up folks..."

Joe Brandon, attorney for the plaintiffs in the case in Murfreesboro, spoke next. He asked the audience about Shariah Law and whether it can coexist with the United States Constitution?

Is Islam a religion? They pray to Allah. It also has political aspects, Shariah Law and culture makes it a dualistic system, Brandon said.

Islam is composed of a trilogy, Brandson said. Three different books or writings or collection of books. One is the Quran. The Quran is what Mohammed said that Gabriel said that Allah said.

The Quran repeatedly says that all the world should imitate Mohammed in every way. It came about 20 years after Mohammed's death, Brandon said.

Sira is the biography of Mohammed which was written 150 years after Mohammed. The Hadiths were written on the actions and sayings of Mohammed.

Brandon then touched on the subject of Mohammed at the age of 51 taking a little girl age 6 in marriage.

He started to read from one of the Hadiths citing the fact.

However, one of the audience members quickly asked Brandon to correct his statement saying that she was engaged to someone else 3 years before he married her. Brandon then cleared it up according to the audience member's statement that the 6 year old girl was already engaged to someone else when she was three.

Further research shows that she was indeed 6 years old when she was married to Mohammed and it wasn't until the age of 9 before the marriage was consumated.

Brandon then stated one of the reasons why Shariah Law can't coexist with American Law is because it is against American law to have sexual relations with children. Other examples Brandon gave dealt with the treatment of women in the two cultures and the permission for the use of violence.

After educating the audience about some of the basics of Shariah Law and how it can't coexist with American Law, Franklin Attorney Tom Smith updated the audience about the upcoming ruling. After opponents filed a lawsuit trying to stop construction, Judge Robert E. Corlew III denied the request for the injunction. However, opponents turned around and filed a lawsuit claiming that Rutherford County government did not give adequate public notice before approving the project.

If the ruling is that the government did not give adequate notice, then the whole approval process is null and void and the Rutherford County Commission will have to start over from square one. Attorney Smith expects a decision on April 29.

The purpose of the meeting was to inform the public about what the three opponents referred to as the "Islamic Training Center" presence in Murfreesboro and that it might have an effect on it's neighboring counties including that in Cannon County. If the ruling comes back to where the process to approve the Center has to start all over again, they suggested the Center might try to move to a neighboring county.

We have our voices and hope that's enough. Realistically , this is tricky. You can use the First Amendment in either case: Freedom of Speech vs. Freedom of Religion. I personally believe that Islam is a practice of terrorist theocracy. But, opinions are hard to prove as fact and unless there is a murder by Sharia law done locally, the Islamists will most likely get there way in the end. However, I believe the backwoods views of some in Cannon County will actually come in handy for a change. While most persecutions of people due to color, sex, race etc is a travesty of justice, in this instance, it is warranted. Sharia law allows for killing of people for crimes that might go unpunished in other countries. I'm just sick of this whole process. I wish it would just come to a head and be done with. I'm outta here.

Well I try to believe I am open to all religions and people of all cultures, race and ethinticities and I sincerely try not to beat someone's religion up because I don't believe the way they do. That is for GOD to do and not me.

I work closely with people of the Muslim faith and I find them to be very nice, friendly and very respectful. I have never heard them say nothing but good things toward America. But, those people are not part of the radical group that hates America with a passion either.

I saw a bumper sticker the other day that read "I learned everything I need to know about the Muslim religion on September 11th, 2001". There is a lot of truth in that statement.

I firmly believe America should follow the Constitution and never allow Sharia Law to be incorporated into our justice system or any other facet of life we live in our country.

However, when you have people who are in power who sympathize with Islam and practiced it as a child and worshiped in Mosque's all over the world then we face an uphill challenge to say the least.

It is a dangerous and challenging world we live in and we just have to keep the faith. The faith that there is a true and living GOD who will protect and keep us.

Corey, Are you alluding to the need for zoning in order to have some control over what gets built and where in Cannon County? Will zoning control where religious facilities can be built? Where is the county commission on their study of zoning for Cannon County?

Hmmmm....islamophobia running rapid in the back woods of Cannon!! Mosques are only built generally where muslims live and work. They pray to the same God. NO they are not all terrorists. Murfreesboro has a large population of people from different Mid-east countries. Many are here only to work and raise their families. IF government can stop this Mosque it can stop your religous activities next. I personally know a Moslem man from Iraq. He has a wonderful family, an educated man who is a professor in a university. In case you ones who are Islamaphobics do not know--Al-qaeda killed their own people like this college professor. They killed anyone who was educated. Al-queda are made up of uneducated extremeist who are brain washed by religous fanatics. I really do not think in a town like Murfreesboro there will be any terrorists. Do you know these people who worship at a Mosque?? Do you know them personally?? NO you do not. It is their religion just like we have jehovah's witnesses-Mormons-Baptists- Methodists-Buddists or any other facets of worship in this US. I think it is just a political power play to get a lot of drama going. I lived by families from Iraq who lived in Murfreesboro in apartment by me in the early 80's. They haven't blown up anyone yet! The US put Bin Laden in power as well as Saddam Hussein. Look for your facts --they are available to the public. I know my post will generate a huge dislike of my comments here in this little town, but I do not judge those people i do not know who only want to worship God in their own way.

MMW, there should still be the opportunity for citizens to express concerns, anywhere in this country, about any legitimate topic. Concern was expressed about Tea Partiers when it was felt some of its followers got out-of-hand. The same for some of those involved in the Occupy Movement. It can not be denied that some followers of Islam take matters to the extreme when it comes to practicing their religion and their politics, and in saying that I am not exluding followers of other religions from doing to same.

My feelings on Islam are not based on fears and emotions. They are based on the facts that this so-called "religion" incorporates violence and murder if needed. I'm quite sure that most practicing Muslims are of a peaceful nature. However, as they say, "the rotten apple spoils the bunch." That is not being a narrow-minded Cannon County resident. That is simply being realistic and vigilant in the world that we live in today.

MMW as much as you would say there are "islamphopics" running "amok" in Cannon County, there are also those who are just plain ignorant and blind to the realities of Sharia Law and to the atrocities that the Muslim faith actively promotes and endorses running amok in Cannon County and the nation as a whole.

This religion actively promotes the killing of American people, it actively promotes the killing of infidels and non-believers, it actively does things like sewing the vagina of its women up and so many more horrible things that we don't have enough room to talk about.

As I said, I work with Muslims very closely at times. I know them well and consider them my friends. I have no fear being around them and I even have one who has brought me presents back from the middle east on different occasions because I have helped him find work when he needed it. I am neither a "islamaphobic" or base anything off of a bumper sticker.

But, I am not blind to what the realities the Muslim religion has become, can do, will do and promotes that is pure hatred either.

As a self proclaimed atheist you have written about under the pen name dailyreader and MMW so many times I am really at a loss as to why you get so worked up considering you don't believe in GOD anyway.

Let me shock you a little:

I too do not believe GOD had any "intent" when the Europeans came to shore.

I too do not believe anyone knows GOD's intentions. We are not wise enought to understand it. I believe that GOD gives us free will to determine if we want to worship Him and follow His commandments.

To say you know what GOD knows or thinks is to put yourself on the same level as He is and that is impossible.

We are a nation who laws and founders promoted the ideas of Christianity. It is evident in their writings, their speeches and the laws they helped design. But, those same laws protect all religions outside of Christianity as well.

I believe that the Muslim religion is a dangerous religion for the weak minded and those filled with hate. For those who are not filled with hate then the Muslim religion can be as peaceful as those who worship trees.

To answer your question, I am alluding to the fact there are no zoning laws in Cannon County to date.

The zoning laws would not prevent anything from being built from a religious stand point or a business stand point. However it could limit things to certain areas and provide structure to the type of building, the location, operating hours, etc.

To my knowledge we are still in the talking phase of creating zoning laws. I know there was a representative who came and discussed it not to long ago. I am not sure what the next steps are.

Actually, any religion is a danger for the weak-minded and those filled with hate. They warp it for their own sick-minded vengence. I am a Christian. I do agree Muslim extremist are dangerous. But, so are extremist of any group. Yes, a few rotten apples spoil the barrel. But this is a country where we are free to make choices. Regardless, of whether or not we agree with Islam, they have freedom to worship in America. Take religous freedom from them today and when someone decides Baptists or Church of Christ or Methodists are brain washing people, then you too will have your freedom of worship removed. I do not agree with the KKK, But they can still hold meetings and marches in America. They may not be well received, but it is their freedom to do so. You walk on thin ice when you start taking personal freedoms away. If these people are so very dangerous, WHY would they still be allowed to enter the US in the first place?? Especially after 9/11? And yes, I do believe Islam can be a dangerous religion used in the wrong way. But I know my good friend, a muslim , is not going to kill me just because I am a Christian. He respects my religious beliefs and does not believe in killing at all, and he lives in the middle of Iraq. My concern is the fact that taking away religious freedoms can lead to many freedoms of other kinds also taken away. It just takes a little common sense.

I am not advocating taking away anyones religion or right to it in any way.

You are 100% correct that it is very dangerous to take away personal freedoms from people such as religion or even their right to choose to buy health care for example.

The rotten apples do spoil the barrel and that is true in so many aspects of life. And people filled with hate and who are weak minded are a danger to society everywhere.

Personally, I am not afraid of the Muslim faith or the people. I put my trust in GOD that He will take care of me and the things I pray for. That is really all I can do.

But, GOD gives us the ability to think and learn and know what is around us and we cannot be blind to the realities that we have Muslims strapping bombs to theirselves and blowing up innocent people in the name of their faith. Or that their religion promotes the idea of hatred toward Americans and a Jihad exists because of that hatred.

Christians across the country or the world are not participating in a Holy Crusade any longer and we are not promoting the idea of killing all Muslims because they don't believe in Christianity. A vast majority of Muslims can't say the same.

Some people would have us believe that there is no GOD and we should all just live to be living in a world where everything is handed to us on a silver platter. I guess if they want to live inside that bubble then that is their right.

What seems to be misunderstood in this issue is that Islam has a dual purpose. It is not "just" a religion but also a culture. A way of life. It's teachings are no more compatible with our Constitution than our belief in democracy would be if we attempted to demand it while living in a Muslim country. In fact, most likely we would be stoned to death for desiring it. Americans don't have a problem with persons practicing a religious belief. It is the practicing of a different culture that becomes incompatible with the type government we have and shed our own blood to retain. Those who locate here and adapt to our form of government and choose to live within its laws are generally welcomed. Those who move here and attempt to change our government to fit their religious beliefs are in essence, seeking to conquer us and change our nation to one wherein they feel most comfortable. This is not a clash of religions. It is a clash of cultures and ideologies. No less threatening than the idea of Nazism, Communism or any other culture or adverse form of government attempting to take over our country. Disguising itself as a religion so that it can be tolerated in America is a dangerous ruse on the part of Islam and one requiring great vigil on the part of Americans. To believe otherwise is to be "misinformed." Study the books of Mohammed and the Islamic faith and understand what the true quest is behind the Muslim faith. You will see that it is to conquer the world either by infiltration and conversion or by the sword. Not such a peaceful "religion" after all.

Historically, Islam has always been a "religion of peace" until it reaches a certain critical mass in a country. At that point these wonderful co-workers and neighbors that were such decent fellows become marauding mobs capable of mass destruction the first time someone burns a Koran or insult Mohammad.

Case in point: The 2005 mass riots and arson in France. Thousands of cars were torched and several lives lost because 2 Muslim teenagers accidentally electrocuted themselves.

This is not fanatical right-wing hysteria, but established historical fact. Research nearly any predominantly Muslim country and you will discover this pattern repeated there throughout history.

The big lies continue because good people, normal people are not using their God given rational and logical mind to overcome them. Most do not want to think that there are sociopaths and psychopaths at the highest level of government who will kill their own and deceive the masses to further an agenda of war profiteering and US hegemony.

The Muslim issue is yet another manufactured divide and conquer technique.

9/11 was a false flag. The perps were not Muslims but elements of a criminal cabal including some in our government and private sector with much help from the masters of false flags, Israel. 19 Muslim hijackers with boxcutters, NORAD stood down, buildings blown up, WTC 7 a classic controlled demolition and evidence destroyed...give me a break. Every thinking rational person knows that everything about the 'official story' is a lie.

Middle Tennessee was long ago designated the Southern 'ground zero' for the Islamaphobia psychological operation. Muslim 'refugees' and low wage workers (Somalians) brought in by Catholic charities and the feds to put a local face to the 'enemy.' Mosques funded by yes, possibly Saudi Arabia and others in on the deceptions. Paid provocateurs and their useful allies like faux Christian Darrel Whaley spread their hate mongering to all will listen.

Right now in Washington the illegal foreign lobby, Israel's AIPAC, is beating the drums of war against Iran. Bought and blackmailed politicians and Islamaphobes fan the flames. Are we going to allow another fraudulent war to occur, maybe WWIII? All for lies.

Since the 1980's, American and Israeli think tanks and policy makers have put to writing the goal of the breakup (Balkinazation) and control of the middle east and northern Africa for profit and power. The Project for a New American Century got its 'new Pearl Harbor' on 9/11 and the endgame was on. Christians and Muslims are the pawns in these evil manipulations.

As with any criminal investigation the first thing to do is follow the money. Ask who benefits. Last but not least, we must have faith that rational people not afraid of truth will prevail against the madness.

I would just ask that you look at countries where Islam rules. There is no separation of church and state. If you know anyone who has lived in that culture that does not practice Islam they can NOT tell you anything good about it. This is FACT. Would you be able to practice your beliefs in their country? I would encourage you to read about what Islam "religion" believes. THIS IS FACT. We can KNOW by seeing what actually is happening in Egypt and other countries now.As one said after the meeting last Tues. night we would be killed after leaving this meeting if we were in Egypt right now. THis statement was made by someone who has been there and knows what Islam practices. Why do you not listen to people who have been there and know what is going on? I have also worked with Muslins and the ones I know are very nice and likeable. They do not all practice their faith. But, I also know some people who have had to leave their country where Islam rules because they could not practice the religion of their choice. We must not let fear of being politically correct keep us from being informed and speaking up.

Deborah, In your world of conspiracies, where does Iranian leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, fit it? He seems to have his own agenda in destroying Israel and anyone who would assist them. Are you theorizing this, too, is but another conspiracy? For an interesting insight into Iran's nuclear ambitions, go to: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/03/07/iranian-leader-iran-must-stand-firm-against-western-bullying-on-nuclear-program/

Hey Bonnie, I'm not a fan of Ahmadinejad or any other world leader for that matter. That said, the propaganda repeated a million times that he said he was in favor of 'wiping Israel off the map' has been long ago debunked as a mistranslation used for war talking points. Iran/Persia has not invaded another country or started a war in over 200 years, something few others can say. I don't think they are suicidal knowing Israel has several hundred nuclear weapons.

One thing to remember when citing foxnews and other major outlets is that there is no law against them lying. This was confirmed in a ruling by a appeals court and never challenged again.

"In February 2003, a Florida Court of Appeals unanimously agreed with an assertion by FOX News that there is no rule against distorting or falsifying the news in the United States. They argued that, under the First Amendment, broadcasters have the right to lie or deliberately distort news reports on public airwaves."

Another unconfirmed 'conspiracy' theory is that Iran, Israel and others are actually working together somewhat, using this 'bluster' to keep the price of oil and gas rising. Rumors are that Israeli and Wall Street speculators have billions in profit riding in the speculative market for $5-$6 gas. We'll have to wait and see on that one.

The pointy white hoods and burning cross were missing. Other than that, what I witnessed on February 28, 2012, in Woodbury, Tennessee, could have been a Ku Klux Klan gathering. To be clear, I have no reason to suspect that Darrel Whaley, Mark Pody, Joe Brandon, or Tom Smith were actual Klansmen. But a roadkill skunk by any other name smells just as foul. How was their “informative” presentation on the “threat” of Islam like a Ku Klux Klan gathering? Let me count the ways:

1. Anti-Islam and the KKK both wrap themselves in the Bible, the flag, and the Constitution. These are the sheep’s clothing hiding the fangs of ravening wolves. It must be noted, though, that their use of the Bible is selective, emphasizing the most divisive portions, and ignoring the bits about loving our neighbors. The flag is used in such a way as to exclude many citizens, as mentioned below. The “Constitution” used by hate-based groups is a brittle, inflexible caricature of the living, breathing Constitution. Mr. Pody in particular exhibited the most appalling ignorance of a basic tenet of the First Amendment – the wall of separation between Church and State. Mr. Whaley railed against interpreting the Constitution in any way, but a Constitution not interpreted would be a Constitution not used; it would be little more than a symbol – sheep’s clothing for wolves.

2. Anti-Islam and the KKK delude themselves with white-protestant supremacy. The KKK was most notoriously racist against African-Americans, but they also hated Catholics, communists, and others. Anti-Islam hates Muslims, atheists, and other non-Christians. Mr. Whaley stated up front that God loves Muslims and atheists as much as anyone else. However, the more he spoke, the more clear it became that his love for non-Christians extended only as far as their potential for conversion. Only the most fundamentalist of Christians (they must take the Genesis creation myth literally) are fit to be citizens of the United States, according to Mr. Whaley.

3. Anti-Islam and the KKK are all about fear-mongering. The KKK stoked and exaggerated fear of African-Americans, Catholics, communists, etc. They told outrageous lies in order to make people afraid of their neighbors. Anti-Islam promotes lies about our Muslim brothers. Mr. Whaley seemed to paint all Muslims with the brush of some radical extremists. This is tantamount to blaming all Christians for the violence of hate-based groups like Christian Identity or the Ku Klux Klan. Mr. Brandon misrepresented Islamic beliefs, and when a Muslim in the audience politely attempted to correct him, Mr. Whaley told him firmly that there would be no audience participation, and he could conduct his own forum elsewhere. Anti-Islam introduces the absurd fear that sharia law would overtake and replace our constitutional form of government. Only a moment’s reflection is required to see the impossibility of that ridiculous claim. Mr. Brandon implied that Muslims want to sexually violate your infant daughters, and make “sex slaves” out of them. That slanderous accusation is reminiscent of the KKK spreading the fear that the “negroes” were out to rape your “white” wives and daughters. On the flimsiest of evidence, Mr. Brandon asserted that the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro has “direct connections to the Muslim Brotherhood.” The Anti-Islam gathering was not about truth-telling, but fear-mongering.

4. Anti-Islam and the KKK distrust the U.S. system of law and order. The KKK worked outside the judicial system to carry out their lynchings and other illegal activities. Mr. Whaley presented a distorted version our legal system, saying that the United States was meant to be a Christian nation. Our nation, however, was clearly founded with a secular government and a strong wall of separation between Church and State. Whaley claimed that the Bible is “dripping from our Constitution.” In that assertion he is willfully ignorant and intellectually dishonest. There is no hint of God or the Bible in the Constitution. Mr. Whaley seems to prefer a fictitious theocracy to the secular government that has served us well for more than two centuries. None of the four men at the Anti-Islam gathering openly advocated violence, and I’m not aware of a direct connection between their bigotry and the violence to Islamic property in Murfreesboro. But surely they know that fear-mongering feeds the flames of violence. And why did they come to Woodbury, if not to incite hatred against our Islamic neighbors? Indeed, some in the audience appeared to be getting riled up. When Mr. Pody raised the Minutemen as an example to follow, I felt relieved that there was no ready access to pitchforks, torches, or ropes.

If I may offer a word of advice:

To attorney Joe Brandon: Focus on Tennessee law. Sharia law is a bogeyman that cannot replace our living, breathing Constitution.

To attorney Tom Smith: Be careful. A man is known by the company he keeps.

To representative Mark Pody: Your sworn duty is to represent all your constituents, not just the fundamentalist Christians.

To preacher Darrel Whaley: You may want to preach your next sermon on 1 John 4:20. “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar.”

The only thing important in all this is that any group can rent time and space at the Senior Center and go there and express their religious, political, social or any other viewpoints. Those who attend are free to agree or not agree with the views expressed.

It is not about anyone believing as I do, it is a matter of common sense.

Ahmadinejad is a threat. To believe otherwise is as I said naive to say the least.

The man promotes hatred of America and its people and he promotes the hatred of Israel and its people.

That is fact. Proven time and again by his own words that anyone can view without the bias of any news organization.

Deborah I am not trying to get you to believe anything, but I am also not going to let anyone try to deceive people into believing that Ahmadinejad wouldn't destroy America & Israel and its people if he was given the opportunity to do so.

MMW, that is, in my opinion, carrying it too far. I don't think people in America live in fear of Islam or Muslims. I think they fear the potential harm Islamic extremists can cause. I do not want Islamic views influencing religion, politics and laws any more than I do that of other religion. It is OK by me if religious views have no influence on government. If you can convince me that such a threat does not exit in some way other than saying that it is a bigoted view, please do.

You might as well talk to the wall Kevin if you are trying to get MMW to comment with reason and logic.

I fear no Muslim or the Muslim religion. I have Muslim friends who I value and enjoy being around.

But, again I will not live in the dark or a fantasy world like others do and be ignorant to the fact that not only do a lot of extremist Muslims want to kill innocent people they especially want to kill American people.

I will also not live in the dark and believe that "Sharia law is a bogeyman that cannot replace our living, breathing Constitution".

Not only could it infiltrate and jeopardize our Constitution, it will circumvent it if we continue to have liberal judges who believe that ignorance is bliss and we all live in a happy, joyful world where no one hates us.

MMW, I do not see how a discussion of the issues of the day amount to "fear mongering." If three people held a meeting in a Muslim country to express their views on and concerns about the "potential dangers of Christianity" would they be spreading fear and hate? If you lived in that country would you chastise them for doing so?

A few quotes from Mr. Ahmadinejad. Let the facts and his words speak for themselves.

“Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury.”

"For hundreds of years Iranians have been migrating to many parts of the world. They took Islamic culture to other parts of the world and established it there."

"Fortunately, Iranians are politically active worldwide."

"Iranians defend and present their Islamic and Iranian identity to other people worldwide."

"The establishment of Zionist regime was a move by the world oppressor against the Islamic world."

"The skirmishes in the occupied land are part of the war of destiny. The outcome of hundreds of years of war will be defined in Palestinian land."

"The UN structure is one-sided, stacked against the world of Islam."

"The United States' administrations... must recognize that Iran is a big power. Having said that, we consider ourselves to be a human force and a cultural power and hence a friend of other nations. We have never sought to dominate others or to violate the rights of any other country."

"The wave of the Islamic revolution will soon reach the entire world."

"Those who insist on having hostilities with us, kill and destroy the option of friendship with us in the future, which is unfortunate because it is clear the future belongs to Iran and that enmities will be fruitless."

"We've never been anti-Semitic."

On the Holocaust – Sept 2009 "They (the Western powers) launched the myth of the Holocaust. They lied, they put on a show and then they support the Jews."

"The Zionist regime's establishment was based on numerous deceptions and lies and one of the biggest lies was the Holocaust."

On homosexuals – Sept 2007 "In Iran we don't have homosexuals like in your country ... In Iran we do not have this phenomenon. I don't know who's told you that we have this."

"As the Imam said, Israel must be wiped off the map."

“The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its previously and repeatedly declared position that in accordance with our religious principles, pursuit of nuclear weapons is prohibited,”

Bonnie, if you would like I could compile an extensive list of very disturbing quotes from radical jewish rabbis and Israeli politicians with links to the Israeli press where they were reported.

I could quote from an unedited version of the jewish 'holy book' the Talmud so you can compare it to the Koran. I guarantee you those quotes would be offensive to most Christians.

I can list a number of sayings from so called Christian zionists like John Hagee and you can tell me how you like your apocalypse, shaken or stirred.

How about the list of 935 lies told by the Bush administration to gather support for the fraud of the Iraq war? I bet you haven't seen that one.

Or maybe the statistics on the opium production and heroin refinement facilities built in Afghanistan since our occupation there? And some details on the international banking cartel that launders the several hundred billion dollars made in the dope trade.

More recently, there are the quotes from Eric Holder on the assassination and detainment of American citizens without charges all in the name of a 'belief' system called the war on terror. To heck with the constitution and due process.

I could go on and on but better yet, maybe everyone should do their own research.

Some were stupid and negligent. Most were in on the fraud including Hillary.

A little aside. Is everyone aware that our congressperson, Diane Black, took a nine day all expenses paid trip to Israel last year? Since all lobbying groups are prohibited from funding congressional trips, AIPAC created the American Israel Education Foundation to circumvent the ban.

We are all being watched daily by the sattelites in outerspace and all of our phones are tapped and they are listening to everything we say and there is a super computer recording all of our posts on the Courier website and every other site we visit.

The "MAN" is always trying to get us, so keep looking over your shoulder to see who is behind you.

MMW, the characterization that they have "a background of sowing seeds of Islamophopia" and in fact are doing so only comes from those who feel a need or have a desire to dictate what others can have a frank and open discussion about. Why you have a problem with that demonstates a bit of hypocracy on your part.

In one post he defends the Muslim religion and calls people Islamphobics for posting known facts about that religion and the next article he has determined that the Catholic religion is an entire religion full of pedophiles and all Mormons are part of a cult.

I am sure it won't be long before MMW goes the way of "dailyreader" and we have a new log in name to deal with.

On a side note, I discovered today that Fort Knox does not have any gold in it.

Please add that to the list of all of the other conspiracies that we face in America today.

Yes, open. Do you know of anyone who was told they could not come and speak? Do you know of anyone at the meeting who was not allowed to speak?

But again, the Senior Center is available to all groups who wish to meet and hold discussions. That's all that Whaley, Brandon and Smith did. Why you have a phobia about them doing so is what I find disturbing.

I wonder if you think President Obama has Islamophobia, in that he continues to engage in actions which result in the death of Islamic extremists, including targeted killings? Perhaps you think that Whaley, Brandon and Smith are Christian extremists. Would you favor the Iranians or Saudis taking the same action against them?

I talked with people who were at the meeting and they informed me there were members of the Muslim faith at the meeting that did in fact talk and express their views. They also said no one dictated anything and it was a peaceful meeting between all factions represented.

So if that is not an open discussion between the group then I am not sure what MMW's definition of "open" is.

Great point Kevin about the President. I assume he is an Islamaphobic considering he ordered the assination of Osama Bin Laden back in May.

Which by the way is the one thing I can honestly say was Presidential in his entire Presidency.

So MMW we all await you to "retract all that you have said and openly apologize".

Wait, did I see a pig fly?

I probably will before you admit you were wrong and openly apologize.

How about you apologize to all of the Mormons for calling them a cult? Or implying that all members of the Catholic faith are pedophiles?

MMW, that article was by Sam Stockard, and having read his account of the meeting, what he described is no different than that which frequently happens at meetings, including local government meetings, when speakers are cut off, usually to maintain order. I am sure the Senior Center is available to Mr. Elsayed should he wish to express his opposing views, at which he could also refuse to let someone like Whaley speak.

It is your decision whether you want to delve into the minutia of stories or events, but as far as the application goes, the Senior Center could not have turned down the application had the meeting been termed as something other than a debate.

But I was thinking about the the comments of both Mr. Williams and the veteran while having a delicious pancake breakfast at Joe's a little while ago.

Mr. Williams said it reminded him of a KKK meeting. That is exactly what I am reminded of when I see Islamic jihadists on TV with their heads covered while preaching hate and violence against the infidels.

The veteran said he fought for the right to maintain free speech. He is to be commended for that and for his service. However, if he was fighting in a Muslim country his efforts might have been in vain, as many of them deny freedom of speech to all, and Christians are often persecuted and terrorized.

However Kevin, he was not fighting for a muslin country he was fighting for all americans and i thank and honor him for continuning his fight at the connon county senior citizen building on that day. I disagree with the beliefs of the muslin faith and would have proudly gone to jail with this veterin on that day fighting for all americans to have that right. kevin i hate to say on this one your opinion is very skewed and you are wrong.

Bud, in that you misread what I wrote, you must be the one who is skewed. Never said he was fighting for a Muslim country. Said that if he were fighting (for America) in a Muslim country, his efforts to fight for freedom of speech in that country were likely in vain.

However, there are certain places in this state where his freedom of speech fight would also be in vain. For instance, right now at the State Capitol in Nashville or the Civic Plaza in Murfreesboro.

same difference, same opinion and we are probably both a little on the skewed side or we would be doing something else other than trying to sway each others narrow minds. I will continue to believe the three saviors showed up to incite ill feelings and stifle the opinions of the other side.

Now you are 100% wrong to assume or proclaim what I believe. Not that it really matters but I believe and will defend that neither side should be slienced or stifled.

For the record if we kept our politics and beliefs to ourselves for the last 200+ years, I believe, most muslims would not know or care what an American was. Our dependency and desire for cheap crude oil didnt help our relationship either. As in most cases, blame can be shared by all.

Ditto to the first sentence. As for the second I obviously feel there are times and places where it is appropriate to silence or stifle speech, because I frequently do it on this site simply by not allowing certain opinions to be posted, or not allow postings to some stories at all. Even the Supreme Court has ruled that the right to free speech is not absolute.

Well, not only did I find out that there was no gold in Fort Knox, I now find out every religion is a "cult" according to MMW.

I am sure that excludes atheism considering he doesn't believe in GOD any way.

In the end, the meeting that took place was peaceful, it had people from all religions present, it had people who expressed their views from both religions and was informative to the goals of both sides.

No matter how much MMW or Sam Stockard tries to portray how evil it was, at the end of the day it just wasn't.

Two of the most liberal, doom and gloom, naysayers we have in either county spreading manure for no other reason but because they have no life and no joy except to try and start trouble.

On to the next travesty MMW. Perhaps you could fly over to Islamabad and live amongst that cult and try to spread your views on atheism. I wonder how far that would get you.

For the first, I have never assumed or stated what I feel you believe. As to the second, censorship and repression I guess could be a good thing if me or mine are in charge. No way. I would always error to the side of leniency as to tyranny. But, isnt it right that important issues have two side? I have enjoyed our volley.

Sometimes, in cases such as the State Capitol and the Civic Plaza, tyranny is needed to maintain peace and order. Sometimes, in the case of this website, it is needed to prevent libel, slander AND to keep peace and order.

Reading back through this thread, I am struck by the number of times MMW refers to "spreading fear" as if "fear" is something which is not real. If that were really true, he would do what a few of us who opine do, and use his real name.

Well, peaceful to me means no one was physically fighting, no one called another person a name, no one cussed someone out; no one got shot, hit, burned or tortured in any way.

I am sure there were people who disagreed and had their point of view. But, that is what makes America great.

It was not held in the library where everyone had to be quiet mouse; it was an open discussion between people who had different points of view. And it was one that was peaceful despite the doom and gloom you would have everyone to believe MMW.

And I agree with you. Your mind has not matured beyond the stage where you can recognize reality and it is rather infantile at times.

Kevin you will never see people like MMW use their real name because it takes guts and you have to be willing to actually stand behind what you say which is something he will never do. It is an easy thing to be anonymous; it takes courage to be known if you are going to say something worth listening to.

- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has launched a fresh tirade against the West, saying the Islamic Republic does not fear military action, Iranian media reported on Sunday.

"The Iranian nation doesn't fear your bombs and warships and planes. Such weapons are worth nothing," the Fars News Agency quoted him as saying on a visit to the town of Karaj, to the west of Tehran.

"You say to Iran all options are on the table. Leave them there until they rot. The time of arrogance and colonialism has passed, and the era of your unreasonableness passes too."

I guess all of this was a conspiracy and part of the 935 lies spread by Bush and we should all just ignore the fact that Ahmadinejad is a raving lunatic and we are the ones who should bow down to Islam instead of being Islamaphobics and all live in a happy, happy, joy, joy world.

How many Christian leaders today or this week or this month or this year stood in front of our country and told Iran that their bombs mean nothing and they can leave all the options on the table to rot?

Uhh, I am guess that would be none.

Maybe the President can say he is sorry again. Perhaps that will help.

Corey, So are you ready to sign up and jump to the head of the class in the bombing and occupation of Syria and Iran and beyond. You're young. The country needs folks like you. Or would you rather a few of the seniors at CCHS do it for you? I hear some have already 'volunteered.'

How's that decade old Afghan war going for you today? Crazy things happening. I hear a few more children won't be growing up to be 'terrorists' against occupiers.

Did you know that Iran has a fairly large population of blond haired, blue eyed kids? They look just like us! Iran also has the second largest jewish population in the middle east and not a single one of them took up Israel's generous offer of money and housing to move there. But hey, all blood in war runs red.

I've also been wondering what the 'Christian leaders' as you call them have been saying. Talking about 'blessed be the peacemakers' or that 'thou shalt not lie' also applies to our government officials and media? How about my favorite part where Jesus casts out the money changers? Money changers and war always walk hand in hand. We seem to have forgotten that message.

No Corey, I really don't want you to join the war machine. I want you to stay right where you are and contribute to the community. I also want all of our troops to come home now to do the same.

There are a ton of lies being passed around about who we should kill next and why. I'm surprised and discouraged that so many fall for them.

No Deborah I have no desire to join a war machine. I have no desire to see troops sent to places that hate them or will put them in danger. I have no desire to invade any country or see millions of dollars wasted trying to keep people from fighting a war that has been raging since Isaac and Ishmael. But, if necessary then I absolutely support it.

If I remember correctly that decade old war in Afghanistan was supposed to be ended by the current President who campaigned he would end it before his first term was up. Just another of his 935 lies he has told.

Deborah I have told you before that I don't harbor a hatred for any Muslim, the religion or the people. I work with them, eat lunch beside them, talk with them and consider them my friends. I do not judge them for their religion, their color or their heritage. But, those people are not extremists either and that makes all the difference in the world.

You have your view and I have mine and I respect you for having it. However, I think though you are so caught up in the idea that everyone is Islamaphobic that you ignore that there are those who would cut your tongue out, cut your head off and stick it on a spike and burn an American flag while parading you through the streets of Iran if they could simply because they hate you.

America and Americans turned a blind eye to a dictator 75 years ago and he went on to form an army that came close to conquering all of Europe and killed 6 million Jews in the process. We lost millions of American lives and billions of dollars were spent because we ignored the obvious.

It is easy to be apathetic and try to ignore what is all around you because you don't want to get involved. It takes guts to stand up for what is right.

By the way, genocide is raging in Syria right now and innocent civilians are being raped, tortured and killed because of apathy.

But, I guess as long as we can sit in Tennessee and write comments on the Cannon Courier none of that really matters right?

It's your 'if necessary' statement that is bothersome. Who is to be trusted to make that decision?

Opinions are opinions but please don't play so fast and loose with historical facts. It hurts your credibility. We didn't lose millions of American lives in WWII. It was too many but not in the millions. Look it up.

The same people who have been making those decisions for over two centuries - the President and Congress. And it doesn't matter if you, I or anyone else trusts them to make the right decision or not. If and when the time comes, it's their call.

Deborah, trust me when I say that I don't need to look it up. What I should have said was millions of lives were affected and lost along with thousands of American soldiers as well due to apathy prior to WWII.

The same thing is happening today all across the world and even in our own country.

The decision makers are the people we elect. That is their job. Like it or leave it, it is still the best form of government in the world.

We don't see a lot of what they see and we are not privileged to know the secrets they know. And honestly, there are some things we don't need to know.

Everyone loves to beat George Bush up and ignore Bill Clinton who chose to turn a blind eye when the USS Cole was bombed in Yemen in November 1999.

They also seem to forget that the policies Bush helped put in place are what are protecting America now from the apathy that caused 9/11 to begin with. People always want to have political amnesia when it comes to the realities of the party they stand behind.

I do know this for a fact. There are extremists who want to kill Americans and ignoring them or being blind to the realities of what they stand for will not make them go away.